Check the coolant level in the pressurized
coolant reservoir. Adjust the level so that
the fluid is between the MAX and MIN
markings. For the coolant, use genuine
NISSAN Long Life coolant or equivalent.
(On delivery of new vehicle, the reservoir
is filled to the MIN level. Be sure to
replenish approximately 3/8 US quart
(0.3 to 0.4 liter) of coolant.)
NOTICE
Do not overfill the coolant. This may
increase the pressure in the cooling
system and cause coolant leaks.
To maximize vehicle performance, the
coolant mixture ratio should be a combi-
nation of 30% coolant antifreeze and 70%
demineralized or distilled water for max-
imum cooling system performance re-
gardless of ambient temperatures.
If ambient temperatures are anticipated
below 5°F (−15°C), make sure a proper
mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50%
demineralized or distilled water mix is
used.Engine and powertrainThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging in performance driving.
.
Check the engine, transmission, differ-
ential and under the vehicle for oil and
coolant leaks.
. Inspect the areas surrounding of the
catalytic converter for heat deteriora-
tion.
. Always perform the transmission
setting. After that, adjust the clutch
clearance so that the clearance is less
than the clearance used for daily
driving. Your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer has the necessary information
and equipment to set the clutch
clearance to the correct specification.
The clearance used for daily driving
increases clutch heat generated dur-
ing Performance Driving. This leads to
an increase in temperature of the
transmission oil. In addition, a more
direct shifting feel can be obtained by
reducing the clutch clearance for
Performance Driving. The clutch clear-
ance should be reset to the daily
driving specification after Perfor-
mance Driving. It is recommended
you see a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
for information.
NOTICE
Failure to have the clutch properly
adjusted before performance driving
may cause the transmission oil tem-
perature to increase which may
cause transmission damage.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance
between the exhaust finisher and rear
bumper is more than 0.24 in (6 mm)
(up/down) and more than 0.20 in (5
mm) (left/right).
. Inspect the dust boot of the drive
shaft universal joint for cracks or
damage.Suspension and wheel alignmentThe information and specifications in
this section apply only when engaging
in performance driving.
.Check the steering and suspension
system and other links for loose and/
or damaged parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel align-
ment. (
“Wheel alignment” page
GTR-10) It is recommended you con-
tact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the
recommended setting for high perfor-
or
position: The maximum
engine speed is 4,300 RPM
. Revving the engine when the engine
oil is at a low (below 32°F (0°C)) or
extremely high (over 275°F (135°C))
temperature: The maximum engine
speed is 4,000 RPM (The
position
will automatically change to the
position.)
ENGINE OUTPUT
High altitudeTo protect the engine, engine output is
controlled so that it does not increase at
altitude of approximately 3,281 ft (1,000
m) or higher.Engine output according to the
coolant temperatureThe engine output is controlled at a low
level when the engine coolant tempera-
ture is lower than approximately 158°F
(70°C) or higher than 230°F (110°C). This is
not a malfunction. If the temperature is lower than approxi-
mately 158°F (70°C), drive the vehicle until
it reaches normal operating temperature.
If the temperature is higher than 230°F
(110°C), perform cool-down driving proce-
dure. (
“Cool down” page GTR-14)
When the temperature of the engine
coolant is between 158°F (70°C) and
230°F (110°C), the engine output returns
to normal.
UNEVEN WEAR OF TIRESThe GT-R is equipped with high perfor-
mance, low profile, run-flat tires that are
optimized for performance and handling.
The life of these tires will be less than
those of tires installed on a typical vehicle,
and you are likely to experience uneven
tire wear and tire noise regardless of the
type of tire used.NOISES ARE HEARD WHILE DRIV-
ING
1 second.
NOTE:
When the battery is disconnected, the
memory for trips
is erased, and
both return to zero.
TACHOMETERThe tachometer indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Do not rev the engine into the red zone
.
NOTICE
When engine speed approaches the
red zone, shift to a higher gear or
reduce engine speed. Operating the
engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature is within
the normal range when the gauge needle
points within the zone
shown in the
illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies
with the outside air temperature and
driving conditions.
NOTICE
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature near the hot (H) end of
the normal range, reduce vehicle
speed to decrease temperature. If
gauge is over the normal range, stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possi-
ble. If the engine is overheated,
continued operation of the vehicle
may seriously damage the engine.
(
“If your vehicle overheats” page
6-8)
FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the approximate
fuel level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during
braking, turning, acceleration, or going
up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to E (Empty)
after the ignition switch is pushed to the
LOCK position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers “E” (Empty).
The low fuel warning will be indicated on
the vehicle information display when the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as
it is convenient, preferably before the gauge reaches “E”. There will be a small
reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches “E”. (
“Low fuel
warning” page 2-43)
The
indicates that the fuel-filler door
is located on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle. (
“Fuel-filler door” page 3-24)
NOTE:
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may
come on. Refuel as soon as possible.
After a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off. If the light remains on
after a few driving trips, it is recom-
mended you have the vehicle inspected
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)”
page 2-32)
Instruments and controls
2-9
position, and to
4,000 rpm when the engine oil or
coolant temperature is low or higher
than normal.
. If the ignition switch is pushed
before the shift lever is moved to
the
position, the ignition switch
will not change to the OFF position.
If this occurs, the SHIFT
warning
display appears on the vehicle in-
formation display. When stopping
the engine, be sure to move the shift
lever to the
position and then
push the ignition switch. Failure to
do so may result in discharge of the
battery. (“Shift “P” warning”
page 2-46)
. If the shift lever was in the
position when the engine was
stopped, then be sure to move the
shift lever to the
position before
starting the engine the next time. If the engine is started with the shift
lever in the
position, then it may
not be possible to drive the vehicle
even when the shift lever is moved
to the
position. If this
occurs, the SHIFTwarning appears
on the vehicle information display.
(
“Shift “P” warning” page 2-46)
CAUTION
If the engine was stopped soon
when the engine is hot, the cooling
fan may operate for approximately 2
minutes after the engine was
stopped to cool the components in
the engine compartment. When the
cooling fan is operating, be sure that
hands or other items do not get
caught in it.
DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSIONThe GT-R dual clutch transmission is a
newly-developed system that uses an
electronically controlled multiple-disc
wet clutch attached to the highly efficient
manual transmission. This transmission
has two driving modes.
.
position
and operate the paddle shifter to shift
down to 1st gear similar to a manual
transmission vehicle.
The GT-R dual clutch transmission was
developed specifically to maximize vehi-
cle performance and driving enjoyment.
The GT-R transmission components were
designed using different engineering
standards than typical passenger car
transmissions. Because of this, the GT-R
has different operating characteristics,
and various rattle noises may be heard
during some driving conditions because
Starting and driving
5-15
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
NOTICE
.When the temperature of the
engine coolant and transmission
oil is high or low, the function
cannot be used. The temperature
range in which the R mode start
function can be used:
— Engine coolant: 140°F - 212°F
(60°C - 100°C)
— Transmission oil: 140°F - 266°F (60°C - 130°C)
. If the R mode start function is
used 4 times consecutively, the
function may be disabled and
cannot be turned on to protect
the vehicle system. While the function is disabled, the warning
light illuminates. When the warn-
ing light illuminates, perform cool
down driving. (
“Cool down”
page GTR-14) When the warning
light turns off, the function can be
used again.
. The performance of start may
vary depending on the amount
of wheel spin ,or increase and
decrease of the engine output in
response to the outside tempera-
ture. (This vehicle was set up
according to the road surface
conditions of the straight sec-
tions of the Sendai Highland Ra-
ceway course in Japan at 59°F
(15°C).)
. For safety reasons, VDC control
may activate automatically when
driving on a slippery road surface,
such as a wet road, in order to
apply the brakes or limit the
engine output.
. Frequent use of the R mode start
function increases the load on
the powertrain related parts such
as the clutch and transmission
compared to normal driving. In
particular, the clutch will wear out
Starting and driving
5-33
R MODE START FUNCTION
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following condi-
tions. Doing so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in an acci-
dent.
.When it is not possible to keep
the vehicle at a set speed.
. In heavy traffic or in traffic that
varies in speed.
. On winding or hilly roads.
. On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
. In very windy areas.
NOTE:
. When the SAVE mode is selected
with the transmission setup switch,
the acceleration and deceleration
can be controlled smoothly. When
the SAVE mode is selected, the
maximum setting speed is lower
than the one in the normal mode. When the vehicle approaches a gen-
tle uphill, there may be a slight delay
as the vehicle returns to the preset
speed. However, the vehicle will
gradually accelerate and return to
the preset speed.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON-
TROL.
If the cruise control system malfunc-
tions, it will cancel automatically. The
SET indicator will blink and the cruise
control system warning will appear to
warn the driver. (
“Cruise control
system warning” page 2-43)
. If the engine coolant temperature
becomes excessively high, the cruise
control system will be canceled auto-
matically.
. If the SET indicator blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and it is
recommended you contact a GT-R
Starting and driving
5-35
CRUISE CONTROL
wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
. Allow more stopping distance
under these conditions. Braking
should be started sooner than on
dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare
ice). These may appear on an
otherwise clear road in shaded
areas. If a patch of ice is seen
ahead, brake before reaching it.
Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By select-
ing the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slippery road surfaces. This enables
the vehicle to start or accelerate
smoothly.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.To use the engine block heater1. Turn the engine off.
2. Plug the engine block heater cord into
a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.
3. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
4. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures,
to properly warm the engine coolant.
Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
5. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.